Shankhpushpi

evolvulus alsinoides

Also known as: ["Convolvulus alsinoides","Evolvulus latifolius"]

Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Evolvulus Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, creeping herbaceous plant with small, blue flowers, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for cognitive enhancement.

Benefits & Perks

["medicinal use","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Evolvulus
Botanical Name: Evolvulus alsinoides

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor garden bed in a sheltered, partially shaded area
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Medicinal Herb Gardeners
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during growing season; major pruning annually in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on desired shape and growth.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense midday sun; place in east-facing windows or shaded outdoor spots.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a cactus mix as base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–80°F or 18–27°C). Tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes frost.

Keep away from drafty windows; use a thermometer to monitor; adjust watering in extreme heat/cold.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or moist soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; trim leggy stems; remove yellow or dead leaves.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/damaged growth.

Tools

Clean pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune in early morning; remove dead growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot to prevent congestion.

Checklist

Use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce frequency in fall/winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or death if prolonged below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid drafty areas; use grow lights if needed.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or wilting, especially with poor watering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize in growing season; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Evolvulus alsinoides may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Evolvulus alsinoides can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Evolvulus alsinoides may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Evolvulus alsinoides due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort and neurological effects if they ingest parts of Evolvulus alsinoides. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Prevent cats from accessing the plant; seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Evolvulus alsinoides can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and, in rare cases, mild neurological symptoms. The toxicity is generally low but should be monitored.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Keep pets away from the plant; consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Evolvulus alsinoides contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects when ingested in significant amounts. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic in large doses.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting dizziness headache
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Avoid consumption of seeds and roots; use only under professional guidance for medicinal purposes.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the traditional uses of Evolvulus alsinoides?

A: It is traditionally used in Ayurveda for improving memory and cognitive function.

Q: How should Evolvulus alsinoides be propagated?

A: It can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds, with stem cuttings being the more reliable method.

Q: Does Evolvulus alsinoides require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade, making it suitable for areas with less direct sunlight.

Quick Reference
Family: Convolvulaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","medicinal herb gardeners"]
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